The Lost Son Part II

Luke 15:18-32 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.' So he got up and went to his father. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. "The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' "But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate. "Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.' "The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!' " 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' "

Both men and women wore flowing robes. To run, a man would pull the robe from the back and tuck it into his belt in the front. A mature man exposing his legs to run was considered shameful. The father sees his son from a distance and rushes to approach him. The younger son’s request was evil and deserving of punishment up to death by the Mosaic Law. The father is demonstrating his forgiveness for the son’s behavior. He provides clothes, jewelry, sandals, and a feast. Unfortunately, the older son does not share in the joy. He is upset about the acceptance by the father regarding the younger brother's return.

There are two groups of individuals hearing the parables. The Pharisees are in one group. They are the religious leaders who uphold the Mosiac Law. The second group consists of individuals not allowed in the temple. Jesus is introducing the second group to the love of God. Jesus explains a new order of inclusion into the kingdom rather than a continued exclusion.

In this parable, Jesus is showing inclusion for both sons. The blood of Jesus covers the past. All are included at the Father’s table once a confession of sin has been given and speaking that Jesus is Lord and Savior. Walking down the narrow path will bring about a change in your heart.